Remembering a Legend – Stan Lee

We here at Battlerock Comics mourn the passing of one of the legendary figures in the world of comics.

Stan Lee passed away today at the age of 95.

Stan “The Man” Lee was best known as the creator of much of what is Marvel Comics today.

Born in 1922, Stan began as an assistant for a company called Timely Comics, publishing a relatively new form of publication known as the comic book. His first known comic credential was “Captain America Comics” #3 in 1941 under the pseudonym “Stan Lee”. After serving in the U.S. Army after World War II, Stan wrote a variety of publication, but eventually became dissatisfied with his work and was ready to quit.

Then DC Comics revitalized interest in the comic book world with the “Silver Age” of heroes. Stan’s wife challenged him to help his longtime employer create new comics for the company that would soon become Marvel Comics. It was through her encouragement that Stan would create characters that would become legendary. Stan was responsible for creating the Fantastic Four, the Hulk, Thor, the X-men, Daredevil, Doctor Strange, and, of course, Spider-Man.

Stan’s approach to comics was different than others. He would brainstorm a story with the artist, let the artist set the direction of the story, then Stan would write the narration. Although it was not unique to the company, Stan’s approach would become known as the “Marvel Method”. It is a method that is used today here at Battlerock Comics.

Stan became the face and voice of Marvel Comics, sometimes appearing in his own comics, or narrating some of the animated cartoons. He certainly made sure to appear in as many Marvel movies as he could, including his appearance as himself in “Fantastic Four: The Rise of the Silver Surfer”.

Stan Lee was even allowed to “re-imagine” legendary DC Comics heroes in a special series called “Just Imagine…” in 2001.

In his later years, Stan became a YouTube personality, doing a series of quick commentaries called “Stan’s Rants”.

Perhaps his most memorable scenes was in the movie “Spider-Man 3”, when he turns to Peter Parker (aka Spider-Man) after seeing a ticker-tape announcement that Spider-Man would be given the key to the city, and he says “You know, I guess one person really can make a difference. ‘Nuff said.”

You will be missed, Stan Lee. Thank you for being as legendary as your work.